Footwear accessory apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present application relates to a footwear accessory apparatus including a main portion, and an arm portion. The main portion includes a control device. The arm portion includes a pivoting end coupled with the main portion and a free end detachably coupled to the main portion. The control device is used to detach the free end of the arm portion from the main port on.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of footwear, more particularly, relates to a footwear accessory apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, shoe laces are usually used to fasten the shoe by tying a bow. However, the inconvenience of lacing and unlacing the bowie forces the user to worn out their shoes quickly. For example, when putting on the shoes, a user may force her feet into the shoes without unlacing the bowtie. On the other hand, the user may remove one shoe by stepping one foot on the shoe to push it down while lifting up the other foot inside the shoe. Such putting on and off manners may cause the inner walls of the shoe expand and stretch. At the same time, the heel part may be damaged. As a result, the lifetime of the shoe is shortened. Moreover, the shoes may quickly get dirty.

Currently, one alternative for the shoe lace available in the market is Xpand. The Xpand product relates to expandable lace that allows the user to slip on and slip off their shoes without using a bowtie. Though the Xpand product eliminates the bow tie, it does not solve the problem of the damaging and stretching of the shoe.

SUMMARY

In order to solve the above problems in the prior art, the present applicant provides a footwear accessory apparatus that facilitate the taking on and off of the shoe for the user. To put on the shoe, the user only needs to snap the footwear accessory apparatus. It is easy and convenient. To remove the shoe, with a simple kick on the button using the heel of another foot, the snap detaches. When the snap is detached, the user can slip out her foot without any difficulty. As such, the problem of stretching and expanding of the shoe caused by removing the shoe forcibly is solved. Also, likely to dirty the shoe when removing it.

Another benefit of the invention is that the user does not need to bend down to take off the shoe. Consumers such as athletes and elders with arthritis or back problems will benefit from that.

Yet another advantage of the invention lie in that since the lifetime of the shoe is saved, there are less amount of shoes end up in a land filling. Thus, on a global scale, the invention is beneficial towards the environment.

In one embodiment, a footwear accessory apparatus may include a main portion, and an arm portion. The main portion may include a control device. The arm portion may include a pivoting end coupled with the main portion and a free end detachably coupled to the main portion. The control device may be used to detach the free end of the arm portion from the main portion.

In another embodiment, a footwear may include a front portion, a bottom portion, a first side, a second side, and a footwear accessory apparatus. The main proportion may be coupled with the first side, and the arm portion may be coupled with the second side. The footwear accessory apparatus may include a main portion and an arm portion. The main portion may include a control device. The arm portion may include a pivoting end coupled with the main portion and a free end detachably coupled to the main portion. The control device may be used to detach the free end of the arm portion from the main portion.

In yet another embodiment, a footwear may include a front portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side. The first side may include a main portion. The main portion may include a control device. The second side may include an arm portion. The arm portion may include a pivoting end coupled with the main portion and a free end detachably coupled to the main portion. The control device may be used to detach the free end of the arm portion from the main portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following description. Wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention where the arm portion is detached from the main portion.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention Where the arm portion is snapped on the main portion.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention where the arm portion is detached from the main portion.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention here the arm portion is detached from the main portion.

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1G is a side view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explosive view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a footwear incorporated with the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a partial view of a footwear incorporated with the foots Tear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a lace holder.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a lace holder, illustrating that the lace is held in place by the lace holder.

FIG. 5A is a perspective of a footwear in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, where the arm portion is snapped on the main portion.

FIG. 5B is a perspective of a footwear in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, where the arm portion is detached from the main portion.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view illustrating that the user has put on the footwear.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view illustrating that the user is kicking on the button on the footwear accessory apparatus.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view illustrating that the arm portion is unlocked from the main portion of the footwear accessory apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention when the arm portion is detached from the main portion. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention when the arm portion is snapped on the main portion.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B footwear accessory apparatus 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention may include main portion 102 and arm portion 104. main portion 102 may include button 106 and a series of holes 108 that allow lace to pass through. arm portion 104 may include a series of holes 110 that allow the lace to pass through, pivoting end 112, and free end 114. arm portion 104 is coupled with main portion 102 at pivoting end 112. arm portion 104 can move pivotally with respect to pivoting end 112. As shown in FIG. 1A, free end 114 of arm portion 104 may snap on main portion 102. As shown in FIG. 1B, free end 114 of arm portion 104 may detach main portion 102. button 16 can detach free end 114 of arm portion 104 from main portion 12.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention where the arm portion is detached from the main portion. FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention where the arm portion is detached from the main portion.

As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the structure of the footwear accessory apparatus in this embodiment is similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, except that main portion 102 and arm portion 104 may be without holes.

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present.

As shown in FIG. 1E, one of the holes 108 on the main portion 1024 may be used to lock the lace in place. Hole 108 has L-shaped groove 118. When the user inserts the lace into hole 108 and pulls it down, the lace may be locked inside L-shaped groove 118 due to friction.

In some embodiments, more than one holes are provided on the main portion 102 to lock the lace in place.

In some embodiments, more than one holes are provided on the arm portion 104 to lock the lace in place.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1G is a side view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1F and 1G, the main portion 102 may include a series of notches 120 on its side, and the arm portion 104 may include a series of notches 122 of its side.

FIG. 2 is an explosive view of the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, footwear accessory apparatus 20 in accordance with one embodiment of present invention may include main portion 202, an arm portion 204, button 206, an elastic assembly 208, back portion 210, and hinge 212, button 206 may include locking portion 214 which can lock arm portion 204 in place when arm portion 204 snaps on main portion 202.

In some embodiments, pivoting end 112 of arm portion 104 may be coupled with main portion 102 by a living hinge.

In some embodiments, the button may be a pivoting point, or alternatively, a living hinge.

In some embodiments, arm portion 204 can snap on main portion 202 with use of magnets (not shown).

In some embodiments, arm portion 204 may be released by pressing button, or alternatively, by misting button 206. In some embodiments, instead of button, it could be slider. In Some embodiments, button 206 can be remotely controlled. In some embodiments, button 206 is round, alternatively, any other shapes, such as rectangular, square, triangular, and etc.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a footwear incorporated with the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a partial view of a footwear incorporated with the footwear accessory apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3A, footwear 30 may include front portion 302, bottom portion 304, first side 308, and second side (not shown). A series of holes 314 may extend along first side 308. Another series of holes (not shown) may extend along second side (not shown). When attaching footwear accessory apparatus 10 to footwear 30, one end of lace 318 passes through holes 314 on first side 308 and holes 108 on main portion 102. other end of lace 318 passes through holes (not shown) second side (not shown) and holes 110 of arm portion 104. As shown in FIG. 3B, excess part of lace 318 can be hold by lace holder 320. footwear accessory apparatus 10 can be secured on footwear 30 by fastening lace 318.

In some embodiments, holes 108 on main portion 102 may be in different shapes, such as round, rectangular, square, triangular, and etc. In some embodiments, holes 110 on arm portion 104 may be in different shapes, such as round, rectangular, square, triangular, and etc.

In some embodiments, footwear accessory apparatus 10 may be used in athletic shoes, business shoes, dance shoes, or any other types of footwear.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a lace holder. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a lace holder, illustrating that the lace is held in place by the lace holder.

As shown in FIG. 4A, lace holder 320 may include three holes 402, 404, and 406. As shown in FIG. 4B, lace 318 may pass through one hole 402 and then another hole 404, such that lace 318 may be held in place.

In some embodiments, lace holder 320 may be of different shapes, such as rectangular, square, triangular, round, oval, any combination thereof, or any other shapes.

FIG. 5A is a perspective of a footwear in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, where the arm portion is snapped on the main portion. FIG. 5B is a perspective of a footwear in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, where the arm portion is detached from the main portion.

As shown in FIG. 5A, footwear 50 according to another embodiment of present invention may include front portion 502, bottom portion (not shown), first side 506, and second side 508. first side 506 may have main portion 510. second side 508 may have arm portion 512. main portion 510 may include button 514. arm portion 512 may include pivoting end 514 and free end 516. As shown in FIG. 5A, free end 516 may snap on main portion 510. As shown in FIG. 5B, button 514 can detach free end 516 of arm portion 512 from main portion 510.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view illustrating that the user has put on the footwear. FIG. 6B is a perspective view illustrating that the user is kicking on the button on the footwear accessory apparatus. FIG. 6C is a perspective view illustrating that the arm portion is unlocked from the main portion of the footwear accessory apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 6A, after putting on footwear 60 incorporated with footwear accessory apparatus 10, the user can snap arum portion 104 on main portion 102. As shown in FIG. 6B, when removing footwear 60, the user can slightly kick button 106 on footwear accessory apparatus 10 using bottom portion 304 of other footwear. As shown in FIG. 6C, after kicking button 106, arm portion 104 is released from main portion 102 of footwear accessory apparatus. Then, the user can take off footwear 60 with ease. As such, putting on and taking off footwear can be easy, fast, and clean.

In some embodiments, the footwear accessory apparatus can store electronic data.

In some embodiments, the footwear accessory apparatus may be made of plastic, fabric, metal, any combination thereof or any other materials.

Advantages of the footwear accessory apparatus lie in different aspects. For example, the bow tie is not necessary. To put on the shoe, the user only needs to snap the footwear accessory apparatus. It is easy and convenient. To remove the shoe, with a simple click on the button, the snap detaches. When the snap is detached, the shoe is in a state as if completely unlaced, and that is the reason why it requires no force for the user to remove her foot out of the shoe. As such, the problem of stretching and expanding of the shoe caused by removing the shoe forcibly is solved. Further, it is less likely to dirty the shoe when removing it.

Another benefit of the invention is that the user does not need to bend down to take off the shoe. Consumers such as athletes and elders with arthritis or back problems will benefit from that.

Another advantage of the invention lie in that since the lifetime of the shoe is saved, there are less amount of shoes end up in a land filling. Thus, on a global scale, the invention is beneficial towards the environment.

Having thus described the disclosure of the present application in detail and by reference to implementations thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A footwear accessory apparatus, comprising: a main portion, including a control device; and an arm portion, having a pivoting end coupled with the main portion and a free end detachably coupled to the main portion; wherein the control device is used to detach the free end of the arm portion from the main portion.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main portion includes a first series of holes, and the arm portion includes a second series of holes.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a shape of the hole is round.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a shape of the hole is rectangular.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the first series of holes are used to lock a lace in place, and one of the second series of holes are used to lock the lace in place.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the one of the first series holes includes a L-shaped groove, and the one of the second series holes includes a L-shaped groove.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivoting end of the arm portion is coupled to the main portion by a living hinge.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the free end of the arm portion is detachably coupled to the main portion by a magnet.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main portion includes a series of notches on its side.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the arm portion includes a series of notches on its side.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control device is a button.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control device is a slider.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control device is remotely controlled.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus stores electronic data.
 15. A footwear, comprising: a front portion; a bottom portion; a first side; a second side; and a footwear accessory apparatus, including: a main portion, including a control device; an arm portion, having a pivoting end coupled with the main portion and a free end detachably coupled to the main portion; wherein the control device is used to detach the free end of the arm portion from the main portion; wherein the main proportion is attached to the first side, and the arm portion is attached to the second side.
 16. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the main portion has a first series of holes, and the arm portion has a second series of holes.
 17. The footwear of claim 16, wherein the main proportion is attached to the first side by a lace, and wherein the arm portion is attached to the second side by the lace.
 18. The footwear of claim 16, wherein a shape of the hole is round.
 19. The footwear of claim 16, wherein a shape of the hole is rectangular.
 20. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the footwear further includes a lace holder, used to hold the lace in place.
 21. The footwear of claim 15, wherein one or more of the first series of holes are used to lock a lace in place, and wherein one or more of the second series of holes are used to lock the lace in place.
 22. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the pivoting end of the arm portion is coupled to the main portion by a living hinge.
 23. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the free end of the arm portion is detachably coupled to the main portion by a magnet.
 24. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the control device is a button.
 25. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the control device is a slider.
 26. The footwear of claim 12, wherein the control device is remotely controlled.
 27. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the footwear stores electronic data.
 28. A footwear, comprising: a front portion; a bottom portion; a first side, having a main portion, the main portion including a control device; a second side, having an aim portion, the arm portion having a pivoting end coupled with the main portion and a free end detachably coupled to the main portion; wherein the control device is used to detach the free end of the sneer portion from the main portion.
 29. The footwear of claim 28, wherein the pivoting end of the arm portion is coupled to the main portion by a living hinge.
 30. The footwear of claim 28, wherein the free end of the arm portion is detachably coupled to the main portion by a magnet.
 31. The footwear of claim 28, wherein the control device is a button.
 32. The footwear of claim 28, wherein the control device is a slider.
 33. The footwear of claim 28, wherein the control device is remotely controlled.
 34. The footwear of claim 28, wherein the footwear stores electronic data.
 35. An apparatus for holding a lace in place, comprising at least two holes.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the apparatus comprises three holes.
 37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein a shape of the apparatus is rectangular.
 38. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein a shape of the apparatus is oval. 